In response to speculation regarding the future of 80 Canal St. a privately owned building in Chinatown, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) released the following statement:

AAFE has been working with other nonprofit organizations to ensure the housing stability of the residents at 80 Canal Street. TakeRoot Justice has been representing the residents, who have lived in the building for many years. A lawsuit filed on the tenants’ behalf was meant to secure safe living conditions at 80 Canal. In cooperation with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), we are seeking to create permanent affordable SRO housing for existing tenants who have no other place to go. The Department of Homeless Services has no role in this project. This proposed development is solely about preserving permanent affordable housing for low-income residents, including seniors, who have called Chinatown home for decades.